What does “Frugal Living” mean to you?

I’m preparing materials for a coupon class coming up next month and it got me thinking about what exactly frugal living means to me… and how it is ”chic” exactly.  I think some people automatically assume coupon-users are ”cheap” or that they NEED to use coupons.  On the contrary, I just want to get as many necessities as possible for FREE so I can continue to purchase my $67 eye cream (*gasp!!*)  If I’m comparing notes with my girlfriends and we all bought the same sweater and I paid 75% less for it, who wins? Me! haha  Does it make me any less cool that I used a coupon code and got FREE shipping?

Not every thing is cheap but how does it fit into frugal living?

If Rite Aid sold houses, I could live in a million dollar house for $100,000!  haha I’ve told you before I got $700 of products FREE in one month last year at Rite Aid and my typical monthly savings is 90% to 100%.  Unfortunately, not everything I need is sold there.  I can’t find a deal on ALL of it.

There are some things I will continue to treat myself to even though they are not FREE or cheap, BUT I time my purchases to make sure I’m getting the best deal.  For example, I always purchase my Lancome eye cream when I can get a gift with purchase, FREE shipping, and cash back on my purchase  through Ebates or Shop at Home.  I never just run out to the mall and buy it at full price.

What savings methods do you use to save money on your “must have” items?

Obviously not everyone thinks it’s cool to spend $67 on eye cream even IF you got FREE shipping and cash back.  BUT I’d wager everyone has their “must have” items.  If your hobby is painting, are you willing to purchase one supply at a time to use 40% off one item coupons?  Obviously I would, but would you?  Is there a point at which your time is MORE valuable than saving 50% – 75% off everything you buy?  Some think so, some don’t.

What are your “must have” items? Is getting your favorite items for less worth the extra effort??